How does Traditional Chinese Medicine help with Cancer Support?

We understand that a cancer diagnosis for you or your loved one can be a distressing and emotional time for you and your family. In this article, we will explain how Oriental Remedies Group can help improve the quality of life for the patient during this tumultuous period, by providing cancer support via Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Technology-Enhanced Therapies, along your route to recovery.

In recent years, more cancer patients are turning to TCM as a form of cancer support. In our clinic, we see an increasing number of patients who suffer from side effects of chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy and are seeking complementary TCM therapies to reduce the side effects and alleviate symptoms such as pain.

 

 

 

Why use TCM for cancer support?

Many clinical studies have shown that TCM is effective in supporting treatments against breast, gastric and lung cancer. An example from one of the researches shows that when TCM is used as a complementary therapy combined with conventional chemotherapy, patients increased the survival rate, had a better response to chemotherapy and experienced reduced side effects, including vomiting and the decline of red blood cells.^[1]

On top of that, TCM also improves the effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in fighting cancer, guided by therapeutic principles of tonifying Qi and producing Blood^[1], strengthening the Spleen and Stomach, nourishing the Liver and Kidney and removing Heat or inflammation from Blood and toxic materials from the body.

TCM also plays a strong role in helping patients with advanced cancer diagnosis or patients, especially elderly ones, where radiotherapy and chemotherapy are deemed as unsuitable treatment therapies. Research shows that TCM can stabilise tumour lesions, improve symptoms, enhance the quality of life and prolong survival time.^[1]

If you’re getting a little lost above, fret not. In this article, we hope to demystify TCM and help you gain better knowledge and awareness so that you can make an informed decision with the use of TCM treatments in your recovery.

 

 

 

What exactly is cancer?

According to the Singapore Cancer Society, cancer is a term that refers to a group of diseases, all of which are characterised by abnormal cell growth.^[2] When the normal regulated process of cell division and growth malfunctions, the cells will grow and divide uncontrollably. As they continue to grow and multiply, they may amass to form tumours.

There are two kinds of tumours; benign and malignant. The former is a tumour that continues to grow and divide in the same place, without spreading to other parts of the body. On the other hand, when the tumour spreads and invades into other parts of the body via metastasis, it is a life-threatening tumour known as malignant tumours.

 

What causes cancer from a TCM perspective?

1) Weak immunity

• Qi has a defensive mechanism that protects the body, thus weakened Qi formed from poor digestive function results in weakened immunity
• Coldness restricts the flow of Qi and Blood resulting in stagnation
• Stress and emotions stagnate Qi flow

2) Poor Blood circulation

• It can result from coldness accumulated in the body. This could be from external environment or frequent ingestion of food of cold nature
• Weak Qi (energy) is unable to encourage Blood flow. Hence, many cancer patients tend to feel cold and have cold extremities
• Blood is thick and turbid thus stagnated

3) Phlegm Dampness accumulation

• Weakened digestive function
• Excessive intake of food of cold nature or oily/greasy food
• Exposure to cold environments weakens Spleen’s ability to transform food into nutritive essence, thereby reducing the formation of Qi and Blood
• Poor bowel movement results in the accumulation of toxins

4) Exposure to Dampness from the environment

• Environmental toxins
• Exposure of damp and cold environment

 

 

 

How does Oriental Remedies Group support cancer recovery?

TCM views the treatment of cancer holistically, with a systematic approach being taken to treat and improve the overall condition of the body. Physicians customise a treatment plan suited to the patient, based on the identified root cause(s).

At Oriental Remedies Group, a combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments and Technology-Enhanced Therapies are prescribed to boost the patients’ immune system and to strengthen and nourish the body. Even when you are undergoing conventional cancer treatments, you can still work on improving your quality of life! Find out some of the key therapies prescribed for cancer warriors below:

 

Acupuncture

• Acupuncture utilises very fine needles placed at different parts of the body to help regulate, realign and improve the condition of the body and its organs
• Acupuncture treatments are focused on improving the patients’ quality of life
• Cancer patients report the below benefits:
  • Strengthened immune system
  • More energy and reduced lethargy
  • Reduced cancer treatment side effects
  • Reduced anxiety

 

Herbal Medication

• Helps to recuperate the body, replenish the Qi and energy, nourishing the body so that it can fight the cancer cells
• Some herbal medication are supported by research to help suppress the growth and spread of cancer in the body

 

Electro-Lymphatic Therapy

• Improves the function of the lymphatic system which is closely linked to ‘San Jiao’ in TCM
• Cancer patients report better well-being:
  • Strengthened immunity
  • Reduced pain, aches and inflammation
  • Reduce water retention and lymphedema (especially for cancer patients who have gone through lymph node removals)
  • Better sleep and mobility

Aside from TCMxTech-Enhanced Therapies recommended by your physicians, it is equally important for cancer patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet for their body system to function optimally while/after undergoing treatments. Here are some strategies on How To Eat Right During and After Chemotherapy/ Radiotherapy.

 

Is TCM suitable for every cancer patient?

Yes! TCM Physicians work alongside major hospitals in Singapore like Tan Tock Seng Hospital to provide care to patients with all sorts of conditions, not just cancer.

However, it is important to seek professional consultation from certified physicians as some patients may be allergic to certain herbs, or certain herbs are not suitable when patients are undergoing chemotherapy. It is important that patients get clarity from their primary care conventional oncologists on any contraindications so the supporting TCM physicians will be able to match the herbs more effectively.

 

Your healing is the most important!

At Oriental Remedies Group, most of our physicians are trained in both Biomedical Science and TCM at Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and China for a minimum of 5-8 years before being certified to practice in Singapore. Most of our Senior Physicians work with many cancer patients and are constantly upgrading their knowledge to serve you better.

By combining Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies and expertise with Technology-Enhanced Therapies, we strive to provide the best care possible in your journey with us. Call/WhatsApp us at +65 8742 2163 for a personalised consultation with our bilingual physicians.

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This article is written by Physician Leong Weizhen (Oriental Remedies Group, Singapore) with contributions from wellness blogger Eatprayflying.com, Beatrice Liu and Physiotherapist-to-be, Chloe Lee.